Leadership

Torchy’s Tacos CEO GJ Hart is retiring

Hart, whose leave is effective immediately, will stay on as a consultant to the fast-casual taco chain. Founder Mike Rypka becomes interim CEO.
Torchy's Tacos
Photo: Shutterstock

GJ Hart, CEO of Torchy’s Tacos since 2018, who more than doubled the brand’s footprint during his tenure, is retiring, effective immediately, the chain announced Friday.

Hart will serve as a consultant to the fast casual while founder Mike Rypka will serve as interim CEO.

Hart, who joined Torchy’s in January of 2018, said he is leaving to spend more time with his family, including his wife, four children and “growing brood” of grandchildren.

“The global pandemic catalyzed a shift in priorities for many of us, and spending time with family now comes first in this next phase of my life and career,” he said in a statement. “I plan to continue contributing to the hospitality industry, to which I’ve dedicated my career, by serving on boards and acting as a resource for leaders and entrepreneurs.”

Rypka founded Torchy’s 15 years ago in Austin. The fast casual, which is known for its innovative, “damn good” tacos and queso, now has 96 locations in 10 states. It has opened 26 restaurants since last year.

Before joining Torchy’s, Hart helmed California Pizza Kitchen, where he guided improvements to the casual dining chain’s look, menu and service model. Prior to that, he steered Texas Roadhouse through its initial public offering in 2004.

Torchy’s was rumored to be among the flood of restaurants considering going public.

In 2017, the chain sold a minority interest to investment firm General Atlantic. Last year, the firm bought an additional stake in the brand, along with several new investors. The chain has reported average unit volumes of $3.8 million.

“Torchy’s is by far one of the hottest brands in the industry today and I am so proud of the passionate team we have built,” Hart said in a statement.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

5 lessons from Starbucks' comeback plan

The Bottom Line: The company’s latest revitalization plan offers several ideas that struggling restaurant chains can use to get back into customers’ good graces. Here are five such lessons.

Emerging Brands

Mezeh hopes to ride Mediterranean wave

This fast-casual concept is working to raise brand awareness as consumers increasingly embrace the healthful flavors of shawarma, hummus and harissa.

Financing

Price may not be the only thing hurting restaurant traffic

The Bottom Line: An aging population could be putting some pressure on industry sales, as older people tend to eat out less often.

Trending

More from our partners